Guardiola to replace Fergie at Man Utd?

Arsene Wenger might look at Manchester United and wonder why he does not enjoy the same immunity as Alex Ferguson.

If Arsenal had lost a derby home and away, were facing a season without a trophy and were dumped out of Europe embarrassingly – the calls for his head at the Emirates would have been louder than the chants at the Etihad.

Yet, the bruising (away) and battering (home) that United have suffered against Manchester City only leaves Old Trafford with the certainty that Sir Alex will continue as manager – at least until he wins the Premier League title back.

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However, even the most die-hard of Red Devils will now have time to ponder and question if Sir Alex got it wrong tactically so many times this season – that it was not the injuries that cost United, but the lack of a fresh approach, facing a fresh challenge.

From the Liverpool away game much earlier in the season, where United seemed happy to come away with a point, to closing down the game against Everton (like City did), the final analysis will show that Sir Alex has got it wrong.

On Monday night’s derby, where braver attacking won out against cautious tactics, pundits and analysts were bemused by the lack of United’s ambition.

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Is this the time to be talking about Fergie’s retirement?

That question as often been halted in its tracks by the lack of a clear replacement.

One who can continue the Scot’s “winning mentality”, but still play the free-flowing football associated with United.

Perhaps for the first time, a candidate is available.

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In all the myriad roles that the media have speculated Pep Guardiola being associated with after Barcelona, Manchester United has never been among them.

Yet, if United are looking for a winner with the DNA of Sir Alex, strangely, Guardiola would be the one.

He has the mentality, he plays the football, he knows the pressure, he is available.

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Sir Alex has been at United over 20 years. Manchester City have brought a new change in the Premier League.

Perhaps it is time for a change at Old Trafford.

Instead of the hair-dryer, perhaps it’s time for a Pep talk.

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